Pruning guide
How to prune vietnamese perilla
Best time
Begin pinching when plant reaches 20–25 cm; remove flower spikes as they appear
How often
Every 1–2 weeks during the growing season
Technique
Pinch out the central shoot tip to promote branching. As flower stalks emerge, cut them back to the nearest leaf node with scissors or your fingers.
More vietnamese perilla care
Pruning vietnamese perilla — FAQ
When should I prune vietnamese perilla?
Begin pinching when plant reaches 20–25 cm; remove flower spikes as they appear. Pinch out the central shoot tip to promote branching. As flower stalks emerge, cut them back to the nearest leaf node with scissors or your fingers.
How often does vietnamese perilla need pruning?
Every 1–2 weeks during the growing season. Vietnamese Perilla, like green shiso, is an annual that bolts quickly if not managed. Pinch the growing tip once plants reach 20–25 cm to promote bushy growth. Remove flower spikes promptly to extend the harvest window — once flowering finishes and seeds ripen, the plant senesces and dies.
How do you prune vietnamese perilla?
Pinch out the central shoot tip to promote branching. As flower stalks emerge, cut them back to the nearest leaf node with scissors or your fingers.